Professor Charles A. Schmuttenmaer

July 31, 2020

It is with deep sorrow that the Yale Chemistry Department announces the unexpected passing of our beloved colleague, Prof. Charles A. Schmuttenmaer, at his home in New Haven on July 26th.

As a key member of the Yale Faculty since 1994, Charlie was a world-recognized leader in the development and implementation of time-resolved terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. The innovations emerging from his research have transformed these techniques into incisive probes of diverse physicochemical phenomena, with notable applications pioneered by his group ranging from fundamental studies of liquid dynamics and charge transport to the elaboration of novel paradigms in materials science and renewable-energy resources.

Aside from his boundless and contagious enthusiasm for science, Charlie was renowned for his warm and inviting personality, his devotion to students and teaching, and his ingrained passion for progressive social issues. He will be sorely missed by all who have had the good fortune of knowing and interacting with him.

A symposium honoring Prof. Schmuttenmaer and commemorating his accomplishments will be held by the Yale Chemistry Department in the future when such gatherings once again become feasible.